Africa

Seychelles in May

Still calm early in the month before the southeast trades build. Seabirds begin nesting on Bird Island.

BestWarm and calm, highs near 86F (30C)

Anse Source d'Argent, Seychelles — SeychellesPhoto: Tobias Alt, Tobi 87, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Seychelles. Still calm early in the month before the southeast trades build. Seabirds begin nesting on Bird Island.

Weather: Warm and calm, highs near 86F (30C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 4 of 5

What May is like in Seychelles

May is another top month. It is warm and calm, with highs near 86F (30C), low rain, and clear water, especially in the first half before the southeast trade winds start to build. Crowds are moderate and everything is open. By late May you may feel the breeze pick up and see a little more chop on exposed coasts.

Early May is ideal for families, snorkelers, and divers who want calm seas without the Easter rush. Birders will love it too, as the seabird season starts. If you are coming late in the month, choose beaches on the northwest sides of the islands, which stay sheltered once the trades arrive.

Make the most of May

What is especially good about Seychelles this month.

Sooty terns arrive on Bird Island

The sooty tern breeding season begins around May, and Bird Island fills with nesting seabirds. It is one of the great bird spectacles of the Indian Ocean.

Calm seas before the trades

The first weeks of May usually keep the flat, clear water of the transition season. Snorkeling off the beach is at its easiest.

Hiking starts to get pleasant

Humidity begins to drop, making trails in Morne Seychellois National Park more comfortable. Start early for the best views from Copolia.

What to pack for May

Binoculars for seabirds on Bird Island and Cousin
Light hiking shoes for Morne Seychellois trails
A mask, snorkel, and reef-safe sunscreen
A thin long-sleeve top for sun and breezy boat rides

Our timing tip

Go in the first half of May for the calmest water, and book Bird Island well ahead, since it has limited rooms and flights.

Book Seychelles for May.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seychelles
Opens a hotel search for Seychelles in May, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for May
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Seychelles
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Seychelles
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Seychelles for May. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in May

Sooty tern colony on Bird Island

Roughly May through October

Hundreds of thousands of sooty terns nest on Bird Island in the breeding season, one of the Indian Ocean's great seabird spectacles.

Things to do in Seychelles

Full guide

Vallee de Mai, Praslin

A UNESCO-listed palm forest and one of only two places where the coco de mer grows wild. Listen for the black parrot; go early for the quietest trails.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue

The famous granite-boulder beach, reached through the L'Union Estate, which charges an entrance fee. Visit at low tide for the best shallows and photos.

Tickets and tours →

Anse Lazio, Praslin

Often rated one of the world's best beaches. Calmest in the transition months and in the southeast trade season, when it is sheltered.

Tickets and tours →

Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahe

Mountain trails through mist forest to viewpoints like Copolia and the Trois Freres. Best in the drier months, early in the day.

Tickets and tours →

Curieuse Island

Free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, a mangrove boardwalk, and coco de mer palms, often combined with snorkeling at nearby St Pierre islet.

Tickets and tours →

Cousin Island Special Reserve

A seabird sanctuary and hawksbill turtle nesting site managed by Nature Seychelles, visited on guided tours from Praslin.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Visit in the transition months, but avoid the Easter and Christmas weeks, when rates peak and flights fill.
Arrive at Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Lazio early in the morning, before day trippers arrive on the ferries from Mahe and Praslin.
Base yourself on La Digue for a night or two rather than day-tripping; the island is peaceful once the last ferry leaves.
Choose smaller guesthouses on Praslin and La Digue for quieter stays and local Creole food at a fraction of resort prices.

Know before you go

Inter-island boat crossings can be rough or cancelled in strong southeast winds, roughly June to September. Build in some flexibility.
Seaweed builds up on some southeast-facing beaches during the southeast trade winds; the resort beach you book matters by season.
Some seabird islands limit or pause visits during sensitive nesting periods; check with the island operator before planning a trip.
All visitors must apply for the Seychelles Travel Authorisation online before departure.

Seychelles in May, quick answers

Is May a good time to visit Seychelles?

May is one of the best months of the year to visit Seychelles. Still calm early in the month before the southeast trades build. Seabirds begin nesting on Bird Island.

What is the weather like in Seychelles in May?

Warm and calm, highs near 86F (30C).

Is Seychelles crowded in May?

Crowds in Seychelles are moderate in May; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Seychelles in May?

Sooty tern colony on Bird Island (roughly may through october).